FY2016 activities assisting the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes on the - US Fish and Wildlife Service
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FY2016 activities assisting the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes on the
Wind River Reservation, WY- US FWS Lander Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office, November 3, 2016
To meet our trust responsibilities of assisting the Tribes with sensible fish and wildlife
conservation, we performed the following activities:
October 2015
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game Using an electroshocking raft to capture and release
and Wyoming Game & Fish, assessed the sauger on the Little Wind River.
sauger population in the Little Wind River
using an electrofishing raft. This is has
been done annually for nearly the last 10
years. During the 2-day survey, we
observed a substantial increase in the
number of sauger, especially fish less than
3 years old – a very good sign.
Stocked Bull Lake (26,700 rainbow trout)
and Dinwoody lakes (11,300 rainbow and
11,700 Snake River cutthroat trout) with 8
inch catachables to support recreational
fishery. Fish were from the Jones Hole and
Jackson National Fish Hatcheries.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and
Wyoming Game & Fish, assessed the trout
population in the Popo Agie River from Wypo
Bridge to Ruby’s Ranch using electrofishing gear.
This is an excellent fishery with many 1 to 2 pound
rainbow and brown trout observed.
Removed entrained native fish within Dinwoody
Canal during water shutdown. Only a few trout and
burbot over 12 inches were observed. These were
captured and returned to Dinwoody Lake.
Attended coordination meeting for the Jones Hole
National Fish Hatchery and planned stocking for
2016. Rainbow and tiger trout from Jones Hole are
stocked into waters of the Wind River Reservation.
A nice rainbow trout to be released back into
the Popo Agie River.
Completed annual report of bobcat harvested
during the 2014/15 season. Fewer trappers afield
resulted in the lowest reported harvest (total of 15
bobcats) since 1999.
Acknowledgements: The Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office located in Lander, Wyoming, has assisted the Eastern
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Shoshone and NorthernArapaho Tribes with fisheries conservation since 1941 and wildlife conservation since 1975. We
greatly appreciate the opportunity to assist the Tribes with conserving and enhancing their 2.2 million acres of beautiful
lands, and the abundant fish and wildlife that reside there. Our special thanks go to the Tribal Fish and Game Department:
Ben Snyder, Western Thayer, Art Lawson, and Sherilyn Heba without whose cooperation we could not accomplish our
st
mission. For further information, please call 307-332-2159 or visit us at 170 North 1 St., Lander, WY. Pat Hnilicka (Project
Leader and Wildlife Biologist), Mike Mazur (Fish Biologist), Mark Hogan (State Coordinator for Partners for Fish and
Wildlife Program), Laurie Connell (Administrative Officer). We thank you for your time reviewing this report.
In cooperation with Trout Unlimited, the Tribes, and
the Riverton Wyoming Middle School, helped
conduct an Adopt-A-Trout education program on Bull
Lake Creek. Over 160 6th graders had an excellent
time getting up-close and personal with 30 brown
trout that were implanted with tracking transmitters.
Over the next year, students will help monitor
movements and survival, while providing meaningful
scientific data. It was a fun 2 days that was well-
received by teachers, kids and biologists alike.
th
6 graders learning about fish first-hand during
Adopt-A-Trout along Bull Lake Creek.
November 2015
In cooperation with
Tribal Fish & Game
and Wyoming Game
& Fish, retrieved a
grizzly bear radio-
collar in the Dry Creek
area of the Owl Creek
Mountains. Bear #829
had slipped its collar
in October.
Occasionally this
occurs since a bear’s
neck can be larger
around than its skull,
allowing the collar to
be “slipped off”.
Garrett Nemo and son with a very nice ram
Developed from the Owl Creek Mountains.
partnerships and
potential projects to construct fish passage structures.
Water diversions and elevated culverts can act as
barriers and prevent fish from moving upstream.
Structures are constructed at these sites to allow fish
to pass the barrier. We will be seeking potential
projects from across Wyoming.
Registered, measured and attached metal plugs to the
horns of 10 bighorn sheep harvested by tribal hunters
from Wind River. Registering sheep creates a “paper-
trail” that significantly reduces illegal harvest of these
trophy animals. Some very nice rams were harvested
as indicated by the photo at above right.
In cooperation with the Tribal Fish & Game and
Wyoming Game & F (Lee Tafelmeyer, Clint Atkinson),
installed remote camera traps and bait sites for
detection of wolverines at 3 locations on Wind River.
Sites were all above 10,000 feet elevation and Positioning camera to face bait and lure tree in
included Bold Mountain, Mount Shoshone above hopes of capturing a wolverine image.
Washakie Park, and Trail Ridge near Monument Peak.
Sites were baited with liquid lure and quarters from
2
road killed deer. Hair snares for DNA analysis were also installed. This effort continues the project begun in
March 2015, and is a part of a larger regional effort to assess wolverine occurrence in Wyoming, Montana,
Idaho and Washington.
Attended the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team meeting and Yellowstone Subcommittee meeting of the
Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee at Teton Village, WY. Topics included: current population estimate
(approximately 720 grizzly bears), no proposal from FWS for de-listing at this time but may be forthcoming
in 2016, and traditional bear song sung by Lakota tribal member.
Participated on education panel during a K-12 teachers workshop held at Central Wyoming College.
Teton Science School led the workshop with the goal of integrating outdoor education and the public
school system curriculum as well as to develop contacts for potential future outdoor education
opportunities.
December 2015
Attended the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) committee
meeting in Bozeman. This group coordinates conservation and
management of the YCT in the Idaho, Montana and Wyoming
region.
Developed partnerships and potential projects to construct fish
passage projects from across Wyoming. Water diversions and
elevated culverts can act as barriers and prevent fish from 3 pine
moving upstream. Structures are constructed and/or barriers are martens
removed at these sites to allow fish to pass. captured on
camera, Mt
Shoshone.
In cooperation with the Tribal Fish & Game and Wyoming Game The 3
rd
& Fish, revisited remote camera traps and bait sites for detection marten is
of wolverines at 2 locations on Wind River. No wolverines were difficult to
see but
detected in December, but plenty of pine martens though! Sites located
are above 10,000 feet elevation and included Bold Mountain and immediately
Mount Shoshone above Washakie Park. This effort continues the above the
one in the
project begun in March 2015, and is a part of a larger regional tree.
effort to assess wolverine occurrence in Wyoming, Montana,
Idaho and Washington.
Registered, measured and attached metal plugs to the horns of
2bighorn sheep harvested by tribal hunters from Wind River. Season
closed on 11/30. A total of 13 sheep were registered during the 2015
season. Registering creates a “paper-trail” that significantly reduces
illegal harvest of these trophy animals.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, the
University of Wyoming, and Wyoming Game &
Fish, captured, collected disease samples,
assessed body condition, and released 4 bighorn
sheep ewes that were previously captured this
past March on or near Red Creek and Sacagawea
Ridge. A net fired from a helicopter was the
means of capture. All ewes were in apparent
good health. Three other collared ewes located in
Wilderness on top of Arrow Mtn were
inaccessible. A 4th ewe’s collar malfunctioned and
was not located. Study is being led by UW.
“Working up” a ewe prior to release near Red
Creek.
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Prior to capture listed above, ground surveyed the Red Creek/Sacagawea area for radio-collared bighorn
sheep ewes to assess whether a lamb was present at the ewes’ sides. Four sheep were observed, 2 with
lambs-at-side.
Attended Wyoming Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Working Group meeting to plan capture and radio-collaring
of 10 to 15 bighorn sheep this February in the North Fork Popo Agie and Little Wind River areas.
Presented at the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation winter meeting in Dubois describing the current
conservation of bighorn sheep on Wind River. The WWSF will provide nearly $30,000 to pay for the capture
and radio-collaring of bighorn sheep mentioned above. The Wyoming Game & Fish, with support from
Tribal Fish & Game and our office, submitted this funding request.
Conducted a ½ day survey of the Crowheart Butte area for the presence of pygmy rabbits. These rabbits are
rare and have not officially been documented to occur on Wind River. An unconfirmed sighting in March
indicated pygmy rabbits may be present there. Found no
definitive sign nor observed any pygmy rabbits.
Surveyed Bull Lake Creek for wintering Trumpeter
Swans. Observed 37 adults and 15 juvenile birds
equaling the largest total on record. The large number of
juvenile is very encouraging. The vast majority of these
swans are not summer breeders on Wind River, but
instead, are winter migrants from other parts of
Wyoming and/or Idaho, Montana and Canada.
A trumpeter swan (#F37) that was released as a juvenile
cygnet in Sept 2013 at Alkali Lake near Ft. Washakie has
been spotted again for the 3rd consecutive winter along
the Green River at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge
southwest of Farson, WY. This is approximately 100 air-
miles distant. F37 had returned to Alkali Lake in 2015 F37 with mate seen on Dec 19, 2015 at
Seedskadee NWR. Photo by Tom Koerner.
with a mate. Typically trumpeters will first breed when 3
to 4 year-olds. We’re hopeful this pair will breed in 2016
or 2017 at Alkali Lake.
January 2016
Over 2-day period, led classroom discussions with
160 6th graders from Riverton Middle School on fish
anatomy as part of the on-going Adopt-A-Trout
program. Last October, 30 brown trout were
implanted with radio-transmitters along Bull Lake
Creek.
In cooperation with Tribal Water Engineer,
completed proposal to the BIA’s Tribal Youth
Initiative to fund 2 water technicians.
Compiled data to compare water levels at Ray Lake
with numbers of fish netted during annual late spring
surveys. Fluctuating water levels due to irrigation th
Mike Mazur with Riverton 6 graders learning
draw-down may negatively influence the abundance about fish anatomy.
of fish in Ray Lake.
Conducted annual count of wintering bald and
golden eagles on Wind River. Surveyed 124 miles of roadways and observed 7 adult and 6 immature bald
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eagles, and 4 adult golden eagles. This is the 4thyear of surveying and has seen about the same number
each year.
Revisited wolverine camera sites on Trail Ridge in the
Owl Creek Mountains and Mount Shoshone in the Wind
River Mountains to check cameras, remove storage A wolverine along Loop Road, 15 miles
cards, and resupply with fresh bait and lure. No south of the Reservation boundary. Photo
courtesy of Lee Tafelmeyer of WY Game &
wolverine detections as of yet on Wind River. However, Fish.
in early January, 1 wolverine was caught on camera
during a night-time visit along the Loop Road above
Lander approximately 15 miles south of the Reservation
boundary at a site managed by the Wyoming Game &
Fish.
Investigated report of wolf depredation on a livestock
cow and calf in the Burris area. Wildlife Services and
follow up by our office confirmed wolves were
responsible for kill. Coordinated with both Shoshone and
Arapaho Councils and Tribal Fish & Game to decide on
course of action. All agreed to continue to monitor
situation. Set up remote cameras to monitor site and
determine numbers of wolves. Wolves returned to kill
site a week later. Subsequently, traps were deployed for
5-day period in hopes of radio-collaring and releasing
wolves to aid in monitoring. During trapping effort, no
wolves returned to the site. No additional depredations have occurred to date.
February 2016
Met with WY Game & Fish personnel to
plan for upcoming sauger spawning in May.
This will be the 5th year of augmenting this
inter-jurisdictional population that was in
decline. Sauger have increased dramatically
since the start of this effort.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game,
reviewed and updated fishing regulations
for 2016-17 booklet.
Met with member of Drought Team and
Tribal Fish & Game to coordinate how fish
and wildlife data will be incorporated into
drought preparedness plan for Wind River.
Swan #F34, released as a cygnet in 2013 near Ft.
Conducted midwinter annual survey of Washakie, spending the winter at Bull Lake Creek
trumpeter swans. Observed the most
wintering swans on record on the
Reservation (34 adults and 8 juveniles on
Bull Lake Creek including #F34 above, and 30 adults and 10 juveniles on Dinwoody lakes). This survey is part
of the larger tri-state midwinter survey. Also, necropsied trumpeter swan that was found dead floating in
Bull Lake Creek. It died of natural causes and was extremely emaciated.
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In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and
Wyoming Game & Fish, captured and GPS
radio-collared 10 bighorn sheep ewes and 2
rams in the Little Wind River wintering areas
on Feb 22nd. Helicopter capture went
extremely well. This study will assess disease,
movements and survival of bighorns that are
descendants of 88 sheep transplanted to the
Washakie Reservoir area in 1988 and 1993.
The Bighorn Sheep Restoration Group
assisted. Funds for capture and collars
graciously provided by Wyoming Wild Sheep
Foundation.
Revisited wolverine camera sites on Trail
Ridge in the Owl Creek Mountains, and
Mount Shoshone and Indian Ridge in the
Wind River Mountains to check cameras,
remove storage cards, and resupply with
fresh bait and lure. No wolverine detections
as of yet on Wind River.
Continued to monitor wolf activity related to
depredation of livestock cow and calf in the
Burris area using remote cameras to
monitor site and determine numbers of
wolves. Wolves returned to kill site for
multiple nights every 7 to 10 days. No
additional depredations have occurred to
date.
Conducted environmental review of 1
proposed homesite at BIA’s request,
Threatened and Endangered species Ron Smith of the Bighorn Restoration Group, Ben Snyder
clearance for Shoshone Rose Casino and Art Lawson of Tribal Fish & Game, and personnel
from Wyoming Game & Fish working up bighorn sheep.
expansion, and proposed installation of watering
tanks and pipeline for livestock in the Meadow Creek area.
Hired seasonal 6-month biological technician. Will begin in May.
March 2016
In conjunction with Tribal Fish &Game, a swift
fox was observed in the southern portion of First swift fox documented on Wind River.
Wind River. This is the first documented
observation on the Reservation. This
individual fox was initially reported after an
astute observation by Tribal Warden Ben
Snyder. Remote camera placement confirmed
its presence. More extensive surveys are
planned for this summer to further determine
the extent of swift fox distribution across
Wind River. Swift fox are an uncommon
species that were nearly listed under ESA in
the early 2000s.
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Assisted the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Game &
Fish with helicopter capture and GPS radio-collaring of mule Shoshone Tribal member Tucker
Russell attaches a GPS collar to a
deer in the North Fork Popo Agie area located off of, but mule deer.
adjacent to Wind River. These collared deer will be monitored
intensely by UW and WGF personnel to determine migration
routes.
In cooperation with University of Wyoming, Tribal Fish &
Game and Wyoming Game & Fish , captured and disease
tested 2 bighorn sheep ewes that were collared previously in
the Red Rocks/Sacagawea Ridge area. Of 8 collared ewes, 2
were recaptured as mentioned, 4 were located on the summit
of Arrow Mtn and not accessible, and 2 have failed collars and
were not locatable. This study, led by UW, is assessing body
condition, pregnancy rates and disease status on the same
ewes over the course of 3 years. Preliminary results indicate
that ewes in the Whiskey Mtn herd, of which these sheep are
a part of, are smaller and acquired much less fat during the
2015 spring/summer/fall season when compared to sheep
from Cody and Jackson areas.
Revisited wolverine bait sites on Trail Ridge and Mount
Shoshone to check cameras, remove storage cards, and
resupply with fresh bait and lure. No wolverine detections as
of yet on Wind River.
Reconnoitered Bobs Creek area to
assess presence of wolves and
plan for capture and collaring.
Completed annual summary
report of wolf conservation on
Wind River. Portions of the report
are incorporated into larger
Interagency annual summary
report for the Northern Rocky
Mountains.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish &
Game, conducted a tour of the
Bighorn Flat area with students
from Yale. Viewed an active sage-
grouse lek, and discussed water,
fish and wildlife issues on Wind
River. Students from Yale after viewing a sage-grouse lek.
Completed annual summary
report of grizzly bear conservation
on Wind River. Portions of the report are incorporated into larger annual summary report for the Greater
Yellowstone Area.
Began checking sage-grouse attendance at ~50 leks (breeding grounds) located on Wind River. The counts
of males displaying on leks is a good indication of the trend in population. This is done annually between
mid-March and early May.
Began aerial survey of pronghorn antelope to assess population trend. Scheduling conflicts, winds and poor
weather delayed completion until April.
Investigated report of alleged illegal alteration of riverbed and banks along the Big Wind River near
Johnstown. Bank stabilization was recently done and was determined to be legal under the Army Corp of
Engineers’ Nationwide Permit.
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Participated in the sauger coordination meeting with the Wyoming Game & Fish to plan for upcoming
spawning in May.
Participated in the regional Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout annual coordination meeting with biologists from
multiple agencies.
Organized and led Interagency Coordinating Meeting of local state and federal personnel to discuss and
inform others of issues and upcoming projects of mutual interest.
Provided environmental review of the proposed reopening of a gravel pit along Urbigkit Road for use in the
Lenore Bridge reconstruction.
In cooperation with NRCS, BIA and the FWS Partners Program, met with Crowheart area ranchers to discuss
options that would lessen impacts to wildlife from proposed Meadow Creek stock watering pipeline and
tanks. We mutually agreed to fence Meadow Creek to minimize cattle impacts to riparian areas.
April 2016
Revisited wolverine camera sites on
Bold Mountain and Mount Shoshone
to remove cameras. Cameras will
likely be re-deployed in November
to continue with study. No
wolverines captured on camera.
Weather prevented access to Trail
Ridge site (will be pulled in May).
Completed aerial survey of
pronghorn antelope to assess
population trend of pronghorn
located south of the Big Wind River.
Data compilation to be completed in
May.
Continued checking sage-grouse attendance at ~50 leks
(breeding grounds) located on Wind River. Rainy/snowy
weather had significantly hampered our ability to access
remote locations of a number of leks. The counts of
males displaying on leks is a good indication of the trend
in population. Number of males counted on leks appears
to similar to slightly higher than last year.
Completed analysis of the impacts of water fluctuations
on the Ray Lake fishery and discussed results with the
Tribal Water Control Board and Tribal Water Engineer.
Toured Subagency diversion with Tribal Water Engineer
personnel to discuss operations of fish ladder. Sage-grouse male displaying on a lek.
Photo courtesy of Linda Lieb.
Met with Ryan Ortiz and Steve Babits of Northern
Arapaho Environmental Program to coordinate activities.
Attended the bi-annual Wyoming Fish Passage coordination meeting in Lander.
Attended Native American Fish and Wildlife Society’s Regional Conference in Red Lodge MT April 11-13.
Presentations on sauger restoration and wolverine study were well received.
Attended the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team and Yellowstone Ecosystem Subcommittee meetings in
West Yellowstone, MT April 13-15. Grizzly bear is currently proposed for de-listing and will take 6-12
months for the Fish & Wildlife Service to determine whether to list or not.
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In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, presented fish and wildlife ID and biology to 120 K-8 students from
St. Stevens Elementary.
Provided environmental review of the proposed replacement of several water pipelines in the Lander area.
Surveyed area for Ute ladies-tresses (threatened plant). None located.
May 2016
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and
Wyoming Game & Fish, conducted sauger
spawning from the confluence of Beaver Creek
to the Hwy 789 Bridge on the Little Wind River.
Eggs were hatched at the state-run Speas
Hatchery near Casper, and then fry are
transported to and reared at the federal-run
Garrison Hatchery in North Dakota. Fingerlings
will be returned in August for stocking in the
Wind River drainage. This is the 5th year
augmenting this inter-jurisdictional and once
declining population.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and Administering reversal drug to sedated female.
Wyoming Game & Fish, initiated grizzly bear
capture and radio-collaring in the Crow Creek
area beginning in late May. This is a
continuation of capture efforts in 2006 and
2011. 1 grizzly bear was collared and released
unharmed at the site of capture.
Completed surveys of sage-grouse leks
(breeding grounds). Of 39 leks that have been
occupied by breeding males at least once in
the last 10 years, 26 had males present in
2016 (67% active). Grouse have been
increasing since 2013, with this trend
continuing in 2016. The number of males
seen on leks in Spring 2016 (26 males/lek on
average) was 7% higher than 2015, and 116%
higher than 2014. However, this was still less
than ½ as many seen in 2006, the most
recent peak. Summarized data for input into Installing range cages on the south rim of Bull Lake.
database.
Set range cages on the north rim
above Washakie Reservoir and on the
south and north rims of Bull Lake.
These cages are clipped in the fall to
assess the amount of grasses and
forbs produced and available for
wildlife.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish &
Game, investigated wolf depredation
on livestock calf in the Ft. Washakie
area.
Participated in the 4th grader Outdoor
Education Day at Sinks Canyon Camp th
4 Grade Outdoor Day, wildlife ID and ecology.
on May 6th, teaching 165 kids and 40
adults about fish and wildlife
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identification, biology and conservation.
To provide for recreational fishery, stocked Ray Lake with 6,500 8-inch rainbow trout.
Attended 1-day firearms refresher in order to qualify for carrying firearms in the unlikely event that self-
defense is needed when capturing and collaring grizzly bears.
June 2016
Stocked several lakes and reservoirs with six to eight
inch rainbow trout to support recreational fisheries:
Ray Lake with 7,525, Goose Pond with 2,500 and
Sharpnose Reservoir with 500. Fish were reared at
Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery near Vernal, UT.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, conducted
annual netting of Dinwoody and Bull lakes to assess
fish abundance. Over 100 school children helped
pick nets and weigh and measure fish.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, presented
fish and wildlife ID and biology, and toured the
Dubois Fish Hatchery with 20 Arapaho school
children and 6 counselors during their summer camp Hides and Horns - Arapaho Summer camp.
program.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game,
presented fish and wildlife ID and biology to
20 Ft Washakie 7th graders and 5 teachers.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and
Wyoming Game & Fish , completed a 22-day
capture and radio-collaring effort of grizzly
bears in the East Fork and Crow Creek areas
(May 23 –June 13). It proved to be very
successful with 6 different grizzlies captured
and released on-site (2 adult females, 3 adult
males and 1 subadult male). Four radio-collars
were deployed. Radio-collars and other data
collected when handling bears improves our
knowledge and ability to conserve bears in Female #848 captured/released near Meadow Creek.
Greater Yellowstone area.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game,
conducted 3 two-hour flights to survey for
grizzly bears in the Wind River and Owl Creek
Mountains. This is part of a larger effort by
many partners to help assess the size of the
grizzly bear population across the Greater
Yellowstone Area.
Set 2 remote trail camera in the Bobs Creek
area to assess the degree of wolf occupancy,
and whether trapping and collaring would be
possible. Cameras were deployed from June 2
– July 8. One to two wolves visited one site
on 6 occasions.
FWS, TFG & WGF personnel at snare site, Crow Creek.
Retrieved a wolf collar that had been
attached to an adult female that was
captured and collared by Wildlife Services in
10May in the Mexican Creek area above Lander (just off the Reservation to the south). The collar had been
chewed off.
Attended Tribal Water Control Board monthly meeting to discuss water usage on Ray and Coolidge canals.
Attended Wind River/Sweetwater River Local Sage-grouse Working Group to discuss funding research,
habitat and educational projects. The group, one of 8 similar groups within Wyoming, received $148,000
from the state legislature to promote sage-grouse conservation in central Wyoming.
Attended 2-day sage-grouse workshop held in Lander. Topics included current research into the sage-
grouse ecology, effects from habitat treatments, and effects from human disturbances (wind farms, etc.).
In cooperation with NRCS, BIA and the FWS Partners Program, toured Meadow Creek area with Crowheart
ranchers to discuss placement of range fence to lessen impacts to riparian habitats from cattle grazing.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, developed 2016 hunting season recommendations for Wind River
and presented to both business councils for review and approval.
Provided environmental review for installation of Cowboy Lane Water Pipeline. No fish and wildlife
concerns with this project.
July 2016
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, conducted
annual netting survey of Dinwoody lakes. Brown
trout and younger age classes of burbot were more
prevalent in the catch than past years.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and
Wyoming Game & Fish, stocked ~136,000 native
sauger fingerlings into the Little Wind and Big Wind
rivers. Eggs were collected in May from the Little
Wind River spawning operation, hatched at Speas
State Fish Hatchery near Casper, and then reared
at Garrison National Fish Hatchery in North Dakota.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, conducted
netting survey of Moccasin Lake. Abundant Weighing and measure fish, Moccasin Lake
numbers of Snake River cutthroat trout were
evident. Shore fishing is excellent at this time. Tiger
trout from recent stocking events were also
observed and appeared to be in good condition.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and Wyoming
Game & Fish, helicopter stocked high mountain lakes in
the Wind River Range with Yellowstone cutthroat trout
reared at Saratoga National Fish Hatchery. Lakes stocked
with cutthroat included: Vernal, Windy, Aragon, Ice,
Polaris, 37, 38, Tigee, Elk, 71, Steamboat, & 20 lakes.
Yantie Lake was stocked with 2,500 brook trout from
Dubois State Fish Hatchery.
Conducted an AIS inspection of Jackson National Fish
Hatchery to ensure the hatchery is free of potential
invasive species that could be spread during fish stocking
efforts.
Participated in the Wind River drought workshop hosted
Art Lawson helps load helicopter tanks.
by the Tribal Water Engineers Office.
Conducted a 2-day ground survey of bighorn sheep in
11the Wind River Canyon. Only 1 ewe was observed.
Responded to report of sickly elk in the Cold Springs Road/Dry Creek area. No elk collected.
Conducted mid-summer trumpeter swan survey near Diversion Dam, Ft. Washakie, and Ethete. A total
of 5 different adult swans were observed (1 at Martins Ponds, 2 at Alkali Lake, 2 at Ray Lake Marsh).
No cygnets (young from this year) were observed.
Participated in coordinating meetings for restoring buffalo to Wind River. The Eastern Shoshone Tribe
intends to initially establish a herd of 10 to 15 buffalo near Pilot Butte Reservoir.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, presented wildlife ID and biology to 15 youth and 10 adults
participating in the Arapaho Ranch Work Camp. Program was well received by campers.
Attended Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in Cody. Gave presentation on the
collaborative successes of working with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes and
Wyoming Game& Fish on Wind River, highlighting grizzly bear collaring and sauger restoration.
Mark Hogan of the FWS’s Partner Program provided planning oversight of Meadow Creek Riparian
Fence project. The Wind River Re-entry program and a local Tribal contractor will provide labor and
materials.
Provided environmental review of the Trout Creek Bike Path construction. No fish and wildlife
concerns with this project.
August 2016
In cooperation with Tribal Fish &
Game, the Tribal volunteers, Jones
Hole National Fish Hatchery, and
staff from the USFWS Denver
Regional Office, stocked sterile tiger
trout into Moccasin, Little
Moccasin, Long, Shoe, and Mary’s
Lakes as part of an experimental
fisheries restoration effort. The
sterile tiger trout predators are
intended to control overpopulated
lake chub, brook and lake trout
populations. This was the final year
of a 3-year stocking effort. Next
year we will be assessing the fish populations in these lakes
to determine whether this approach was successful.
Releasing tiger trout at Marys Lake.
Finalized the 3-year trial effort of lake trout removal at
Lake 17 of the Bob’s Creek drainage. The number of
lake trout was significantly reduced; however, netting
efforts appear to be insufficient to completely remove
lake trout from this lake. The brook trout population
appears to have increased in size and health as a result
of the lake trout removal efforts.
Electrofished the South Fork of Owl Creek above the
canyon for native Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Genetic
samples were acquired at two sites. The captured
cutthroat trout appeared to be in relatively good shape
and were abundant.
Conducted a 4-day fishery survey of the 20 Lakes
drainage. Abundant populations of healthy cutthroat
and other trout were evident in the mainstem lakes. A South Fork Owl Creek cutthroat trout.
12Brook trout were observed in low abundance in Roberts Lake and lake trout were found in all lakes from
Trail Lake down the drainage to Raft Lake. Cutthroat Lake is now almost exclusively populated by brook
trout.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game and Wyoming
Game & Fish, stocked ~40,000 native sauger
advanced-fingerlings into the Little Wind and Big
Wind rivers.
Continued oversight and funding of the Meadow
Creek Fencing Project area near Crowheart (primary
oversight by Mark Hogan, Partners Program). The
fence will greatly reduce impacts from cattle grazing
to sensitive and unique riparian habitats. Project is
progressing very well. The Wind River Re-entry
program comprised of members from both tribes has
been working diligently to construct the fence. Poles
and posts have been purchased from 12 different
enrolled members as well.
Surveyed whitebark pine cone production on Bold
Mountain. This is part of a larger effort throughout
the Greater Yellowstone area to track the amount of
cones available to grizzly bears. The nuts in the cones
are an excellent bear food high in fat and protein.
Cone production was very good (about 57 cones per
tree). Mike Mazur stocking native sauger fingerlings.
nd
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, conducted2
round of aerial surveys for grizzly bears in the Wind
River and Owl Creek Mountains. This is part of a larger effort by many partners to help assess the size of the
grizzly bear population across the Greater Yellowstone
Area.
During a 2-day survey, personnel from the Wyoming Rebuilding Meadow Creek Fence.
Game & Fish observed 13 boreal toads, indicating the
toad is common in the Crow Creek area. The species
has been declining throughout its range and is
considered a species of concern - so this is an
encouraging find. This survey was given approval by
both Councils.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, conducted the
drawing for limited quota hunting tags (bighorn sheep,
moose, trophy deer and any deer).
Assisted staff from the USFWS Denver Regional Office
in official consultations with the Northern Arapaho and
Eastern Shoshone Tribes regarding the eagle take
permits that the FWS will be issuing to NAT as required
by court order.
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game, visited with
Sen. Barrasso’s staff (Pam Buline, Travis McNiven and
Brian Clifford) to discuss issues, as well as our role in
assisting the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho
Tribes. Meeting was very productive.
Provided environmental review for Crooked Creek
road paving project and 2 proposed homesites. No significant fish and wildlife concerns with these projects.
13September 2016
In cooperation with Tribal Fish & Game,
began multiple–week survey of swift fox
using lure and trail cameras in the Wise Flat,
Countryman Basin and Bighorn Draw areas.
Intent is to determine the presence of swift
fox in these areas. At this time, no swift fox
have been detected, though one washed-out
night photo of a fox could not be positively
identified as to species. Cameras have
captured a variety of wildlife including
pronghorn antelope, coyote, red fox, badger,
short-eared owl and mountain lion.
Installed trail camera in the Washakie Park
area to assess presence and abundance of
wolves. None have been detected at this time. In previous years, wolves have been present in this area
during August and September.
Assisted Eastern Shoshone Tribe with organizing upcoming restoration of bison from Neal Smith National
Wildlife Refuge, Iowa. Release of 10 to 12 bison in the 300 acre grazing unit near Pilot Butte is targeted for
early November. Transported squeeze chute donated by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR near Denver to
Wind River.
Continued summer/fall surveys of local trumpeter swans in the Bighorn Draw, Ray Lake and Diversion Dam
areas. Observed 3 to 5 swans. We’re hopeful that nesting and successful reproduction will occur in 2017.
Surveyed the canyon-mouth of Crooked Creek in the hope of finding remnant Yellowstone cutthroat trout
from the aboriginal population believed to
have been destroyed during the South Fork
Little Wind Fire in 2004. No fish were
observed in the lower mile of the canyon.
Continued electrofishing surveys of
Yellowstone cutthroat population in the
South Fork Owl Creek. Acquired genetic
samples from an additional location.
Samples were sent to the University of
Wyoming to determine whether these
come from a unique strain.
Surveyed Yantie Lake. Brook trout were
relatively abundant and large.
Attended Tribal Water Engineer & Wind Dan Dewey holding a cutthroat trout along South Fork
River Water Resource Control Board
Owl Creek.
meeting involving BIA irrigation and various
water users and water user groups
regarding upcoming operational and rate
changes for 2017.
Attended and presented program on sage-grouse biology at the Crowheart Festival. Attended by 15 adults
and children.
Continued oversight and funding of the Meadow Creek Fencing Project area near Crowheart (primary
oversight by Mark Hogan, Partners Program). The fence will greatly reduce impacts from cattle grazing to
sensitive and unique riparian habitats.
Provided environmental review of 1 proposed homesite. No significant fish and wildlife concerns with this
project.
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